Community Highlights: Meet Artie Januario of Artie Bars

Today we’d like to introduce you to Artie Januario

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was laid off from my tech project management job not once but twice in the 2022-2024 wave that affected hundreds of thousands of similar workers. It was crushing at the time but gave me a chance to reflect on what I actually wanted to do in life.

Baking had become a hobby of mine in 2018 and really took off while cooped up inside due to the pandemic. My wife and I are huge fans of The Great British Bake Off and when I saw them tackle a millionaire shortbread technical challenge, I wanted to try the bake for myself. We joke now about my wife’s famous last words: she took one bite of the bars and said, “These are amazing, never make them again.” The bars were such a rich, unique and indulgent treat. I made them for a Christmas party we hosted and no less than a dozen people texted afterwards, “What are these amazing caramel things?” That’s really when I started to realize that there could be an opportunity to pivot into baking as a career.

Artie Bars launched officially in February 2024 with just the original flavor: buttery shortbread, gooey caramel and velvety chocolate ganache. Friends and family were quick to support and we shipped 100 orders in the first week.

Since then, we’ve expanded to create an additional base of “core” flavors and three to four seasonal rotating ones. I like to take inspiration from what’s fresh and trending, so in the summer I launched a key lime bar and in the fall it’s pumpkin spice and maple.

One of the best memories I’ve made on this journey was getting to cater backstage for my favorite band: Dave Matthews Band. I cold-emailed and managed to get connected to his tour catering, who invited me to bring the Artie Bars for Dave’s Raleigh concert. Getting DMs from the band enjoying the Artie Bars is something I’ll never forget. We also served as the “celebration dessert” for the cast of The Bear the night their Emmy nominations were announced.

But truly my favorite part of all of this is getting to share joy with people. Dessert is something that brings people happiness, and I get to do that as a job. I’m so lucky.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road…entrepreneurship never is! Artie Bars came about through struggle (my layoff) and then faced plenty of challenges along the way. Our product is delicate, so figuring out shipping and packaging was a big deal, to keep the shortbread from crumbling. Once summer came, we had to figure out how to keep the Bars from melting. People often think our product is fudge, since they’ve never seen a millionaire shortbread before, so we have to beat those misconceptions and get them to try it. It’s all part of life and business and I’m proud of how we keep facing new challenges with grace, and then overcome them.

As you know, we’re big fans of Artie Bars. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Artie Bars is a small-batch, hand crafted baking company specializing in gourmet millionaire shortbread, a tasty dessert with roots abroad. Artie Bars takes this shortbread, caramel and chocolate treat stateside.

Each layer is handcrafted from scratch, made in small batches in Raleigh, North Carolina. We’re always cooking up new flavors, but you’ll know an Artie Bar by its trademark three decadent layers, shortbread base and hefty 6 ounce size. Incorporating traditional decadence with trademark oomph, Artie Bars are made to be enjoyed.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’m the youngest of three kids, so I’d like to think that played a part in being lighthearted and wanting to entertain or make people smile. There was always great music in my home, thanks to my dad, and great food, thanks to my mom. Honestly, I wasn’t really a baker as a kid and that surprises some people.

Pricing:

• Each Artie Bar is $8

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.artiebars.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artiebars/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Artiebars
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/artie-bars-raleigh